reflexology
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is manual therapy in which every system and organ of the body corresponds to a specific point on the foot (or hand or ear), and thus the entire body can be affected by applying pressure techniques to the feet only. It is a non-invasive, complementary health practice applying alternating pressure to reflexes, which stimulates complex neural pathways linking body systems, supporting the body’s efforts to function optimally.
Reflexology is performed clothed. Only the feet, hands, and face are exposed, so clients feel safe and secure. Reflexology is time-efficient because no undressing/dressing and showering are required. Clients remain on their back throughout the session, maintaining the flow of the session, so they can deeply relax and often fall asleep.
How does reflexology work?
The mechanism of action that accounts for reflexology’s effects has yet to be elucidated, although there are numerous theories:
Energy – Reflexology supports energy flow within body and between organs via electromagnetic and vibrating waves. Such impulses may be transmitted along fascia.
Lactic Acid – Reflexology breaks up accumulation of micro-crystals deposited in feet allowing better circulation, and therefore communication, via the bloodstream.
Proprioceptive Receptors – Reflexology facilitates connections between areas on the feet, hands, and ears and the rest of the body using mechanoreceptors in the skin, muscles, and joints.
Relaxation Response – Skillful pressure on the thousands of nerves in the feet, hands, and ears soothes the nervous system.
Scientific Studies
A reflexologist’s touch may help to calm the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and other benefits just like any form of massage.
So far, there’s evidence that reflexology may help to:
A 1993 study found that those who received two months of reflexology treatment reported significantly fewer PMS symptoms than the women who did not.
In one small study from 2000, researchers looked at the effects of one 30-minute foot reflexology treatment on people being treated for breast or lung cancer. Those who received a reflexology treatment reported lower levels of anxiety than those who received no reflexology treatment.
In a 2014 study that was slightly larger, researchers gave people undergoing heart surgery a 20-minute foot reflexology treatment once a day for four days. They found that those who received the reflexology treatment reported significantly lower levels of anxiety than those who didn’t. Touch by another human being is a relaxing, caring, anxiety-reducing action for most people.
Contraindications:
- certain foot injuries such as sprains, strains, or stress fractures
- painful skin conditions such as blisters or severe eczema or psoriasis
- contagious skin conditions such as scabies, chicken pox, or athlete’s foot
- certain symptoms of diabetes, including non-healing wounds or peripheral neuropathy
Cautions:
- circulatory problems in the feet
- blood clots or inflammation of leg veins
- gout
- foot ulcers
- a low platelet count or other blood problems, which can make you bruise and bleed more easily
Resources:
https://www.arcb.net
https://reflexology-usa.org/
https://lauranorman.com/
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